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Upon visiting our vet for some hairball treatment, the tech came out with this tiny kitten on her shoulder. Apparently when they opened the office that day, a plastic grocery bag was found on the front door knob with a teeny, injured kitten inside. How he survived the bag, we'll never know, but they found him to be under two pounds with a broken front leg.

CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / MIEZEKIEZE

This sad, struggling cat looked at me and gave the most pathetic 'mew' I've ever heard. I took my husband back that evening to meet him, and it was agreed that once he was medically cleared, we could adopt him; once he was a bit bigger, they would be able to remove the broken leg.

For a few weeks, Pike ran around our living room, dragging this broken paw behind him, but still showing all the energy and curiosity of a typical kitten. The arm removal gave him additional freedom; he never had any problems running or playing or climbing like his siblings. Given his rough start in life, he was always our "scaredy cat," but he gave nothing but unconditional love to my husband and me.

PHOTO: ANONYMOUS USER FROM COLUMBUS, OH

Over the years, he had a host of different health issues but came through them like a champ, returning home after a vet or hospital visit with purrs and headbutts. Sadly, after 13 years together, Pike developed intestinal cancer and it took him over very quickly. We had to say goodbye in July 2015, after he stopped eating and was showing signs of a lot of pain.

He was my baby and my shadow for so long, and I still miss him every day. I hope this story shows others that rescues and 'imperfect' kitties can be the best of friends with you for many, many years.

Story submitted by an anonymous user from Columbus, Ohio.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!